Natural environmental cues and circadian rhythms of behaviour--a perspective
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Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
1Department of Applied Biology, UWIST, Llysdinam Field Centre, Powys, Wales.
Abstract:
Natural environmental cycles are often extremely difficult to reproduce under laboratory conditions. Laboratory light-dark cycles differ from natural light-dark cycles in terms of intensity and spectral distribution, whilst simulated temperature cycles may differ from natural temperature cycles in waveform. The expression of a free-running rhythm depends upon the 'level' of constant conditions provided. Environmental cues affect the period, phasing, amplitude and activity-rest ratios of circadian rhythms and, if inappropriate, may result in aberrant behaviour patterns which are unlike those observed in nature.
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